With merger mania and big business dealings heating up lately — with Pabst, ABI’s British Brands & China investments — I almost forgot about Foster’s. But the Foster’s Group said Tuesday that it’s splitting up the divisions of the company and is looking for a buyer for the brewing portion. Business Week is now speculating that MolsonCoors is a likely candidate to buy Foster’s, given their desire to “become a top global beer producer.” MolsonCoors currently owns a 5% share of the Foster’s Group.
Foster’s foray into the Wine Business was a disaster. Wolf Blass was OK. In a way, Beringer was, too. However, Beringer Wine Estates made its money with White Zinfandel. In addition, high cost wines don’t necessarily mean high-profit.
Beringer Private Reserve wines are very, very good. However, they don’t have the name that will allow them to sell into and through high-end restaurants. In addition, wines that need to be aged, such as a Cabernet, tie up capital and accrue costs over a period of time. Then, when you go to sell, you’re not making that much percentage wise.
Texas Pacific Group used to own Beringer, took it public, then forced the sale to Foster’s because the shares weren’t appreciating like a tech stock — look for some private equity firm to buy them again. As for the beer side — if it sells at it, it’ll no doubt get snapped up by a global firm as the brand has transcontinental appeal.